Philosophy-Making
A Process Guide for Unitarian Universalist Growth and Learning

By Elizabeth Anastos and David Marshak

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Theme and Description

Helps congregations develop a usable philosophy of lifespan religious education to guide their program planning in accordance with their beliefs, values, and priorities. Contains workshops for three processes of various lengths.

Goals for Participants

To identify and articulate with others the religious education philosophy of the congregation.

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Age Range

Adults and older youth who represent many different points of view and interests in the congregation, including those not previously involved in religious education

Size of Group

5-25

Space Requirements

Comfortable meeting space with room for small-group discussions

Number and Length of Sessions

Includes 3-session and 6-session workshops, and resources to design one's own process
Length: 2 to 2 1/2 hours

Leader Training

No training required; good group facilitation skills recommended

Leader Preparation

2 hours per session

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Strengths

Provides an engaging process for articulating the congregationÕs religious education philosophy.
May be adapted to each congregation's needs.
Involves many people who are usually not part of religious education planning.
Gives congregations a foundation to plan curriculum and articulate their philosophy to newcomers.
Uses a consensus model.
Deepens participants' understanding of their own beliefs and values.

Limitations

Written in 1984, the program contains materials that are somewhat date.

Adaptability

Very flexible plan; can be used to design programs of any length. Can be used as a resource for teacher training, parent groups, religious education committees, church boards, etc.

Unitarian Universalist Values

Specifically designed to help participants identify and articulate their UU philosophy of religious growth and learning.

Reviewed on June 30, 1996

Unitarian Universalist Association
25 Beacon St. | Boston, MA 02108 | 617-742-2100